Had my appointment with Dr. D. last week and yes … the numbers climbed a little bit more. The tumor markers are at 70 right now. This is up from the mid-30s of a little over a year ago. A bit disturbing but probably still not cause for concern. This isn’t a sudden spike (which IS cause for concern) and we discussed the fact that there are other options if we feel the Tykerb is no longer effective. Dr. D. mentioned a new drug that had just been approved, but do you think I remember the name? Nooooo, of course not.

Its reassuring to know there are other options and we intend to watch this closely, but right now I refuse to worry. It’ll only make me crazy.

However, I gotta do another battery of tests. June is gonna be my month for medical appointments. I’ll be having a CAT scan (another one … just had one last month), a PET scan and I need to get a boob crunch. I was supposed to get the mammogram done last month but I — uh — forgot. Yeah - that’s it - I forgot.

Seriously, I know how important mammograms are but it doesn’t mean I have to like it — and yes, I’ll get it done. After having breast cancer, that isn’t something I mess with.

And remember to repeat after me …“YOU ARE A CANCER WINNER”

Never let opportunity pass you by when it comes to promoting your book. I went to a Red Robins joint the other day. The little darlin’ was off with friends, hubby was out with the boys … so for once I was on my own. A rare occurrence (and I loved it).

Since I was by myself, I sat at the bar and ordered a burger (fantastic burgers, by the way). Being the reader I am, I had Susan Krinard’s latest book in hand while I drank my beer and waited for my meal. The bartender wandered over and asked what I was reading, since her mom is forever looking for something new to read. After telling her, I immediately whipped out one of my bookmarks and began telling her about my book. We–el, her eyes lit up and she began bombarding me with questions, while at the same time waving the other bartender over … a young man. He confessed that he’s wanted to write FOREVER and began asking me a ton of questions.

After listening, I gave encouragement and pointed him in the direction he might need to go to make his dream come true. All in all, a productive evening, IMO. I got to encourage a budding writer, both bartenders were thrilled to have met a REAL author, I probably gained a couple of sales and had a hellava burger.

So, no matter where you go, don’t hesitate to talk up your book. Whip out those bookmarks (or any other promotional items) that you’re carrying around, chat up the waitress, bartender or the person standing in line behind you. Word of mouth is still the best promotional tool around

I’d been asked in the past how long I have to be on Tykerb. Hmm. Good question. My common answer is to laugh and say “til death do us part”. Now that can be taken a number of ways, of course. Obviously, I’ll probably be taking this mediation for the rest of my life, or until it is no longer effective. There’s always the possibility of a cure being found for cancer, but I personally am not holding my breath. Or there may be a new treatment that is far more promising that Tykerb.

I have no problem with taking this drug every morning. Its five pills (granted … they’re huge!), but once I take them, that’s it. No needles, no clinic visits … no muss, no fuss. Gotta like that. Taking the Xeloda is a bit more troublesome if only because I never remember to take them on time. Three pills at 7:00 in the morning (no problem), but remembering to take the three in the evening? … well, lets just say I now have an alarm on my wristwatch and a little kid who loves to tell me when 7:00 p.m. is rolling around.

I’ve gone through the gauntlet as far as treatments go. When I had my first recurrence, I had to do radiation every day for three months. I’d made arrangements with the hospital to come in before work, get zapped and then go my merry way. Even talked the techs into letting me just drop my pants rather than changing into those charming hospital garments. Went even faster after that. I’d gone through the chemo treatments every three weeks for six sessions with visits in between. I did the Herceptin infusions every week for about two years.

So taking five pills in the morning is a cinch as far as I’m concerned. Its all perspective.

And remember to repeat after me …“YOU ARE A CANCER WINNER”

I’ve had the pleasure over the past year or so of making the acquaintance with Barbara Vey of PW. I have YET to meet anyone who has more enthusiasm for reading and for romance authors. She pretty much fell into becoming one of the chief bloggers over at Publishers Weekly. During a casual discussion at a conference, her passion came through and Karen of PW convinced her that she’d be a wonderful blogger.

Although she balked at the prospect, I’m personally very glad that Barbara caved in. Her blog has become one of my daily stops and is always fascinating, interesting and entertaining. Barbara is also more than willing to make announcements on her blog if you have an upcoming release, am a new author, or have a signing event. You can check out her out at this link.

She also throws a hellava great cyber party.

So if you have anything you want to announce with regard to your writing, feel free to contact Barb. If you need her email addy, let me know and I’ll forward it to you.

The fact that I’m going in for blood work this morning got me thinkin’ about needles. Now, I’m not a fan of needles (as I’m sure is common). Given the fact that I’ve been stuck like a pin cushion for the past thirteen years, you’d think I’d get used to this. Nope. Still don’t like them. I have to say that some phlebotomists (spelling?) are better than others, but I think its mostly the thought of getting stuck is what freaks me out.

But about five years ago (when I was doing weekly Herceptin infusions), Dr. D suggested having a port installed. What the hell is that, you say? Weeeelllll — a port is a small disk-like object that’s installed under the skin in your chest (above the breast). A tubing is then woven into a main artery, making it much easier to administer treatment. Okay, that sounded good. It was a regular outpatient surgery in which they put you into la-la land for the installation. No pain, no discomfort. Just a little freaky. If you press on it you can feel this hard disk in your chest and (with your fingers) can follow the tubing up to your collarbone.

Gotta tell ya … I don’t regret having a port put in. I should have had this done long ago. Depending on where you have it done, a port can be virtually invisible. I’ve seen ports that stuck out like a huge goose egg right below the collarbone. I gotta admit … not a good look. And if you’re a woman, this is right where the bra strap runs. Mine, however, was installed deep enough where the only indication that I have a port is a small scar right above my right breast.

This makes it sooooo much easier to have any bloodwork done. I would describe it like sticking a corkscrew in a wine bottle. There’s no guessing where a vein might be, no chance of the vein rolling or collapsing. Since I had most of my I.V.s done through my hand, they’re grateful.

So, if your oncologist suggests a port … go for it. I would also check around about installation. Like I said, I’ve seen a lot of ports that very predominantly stick out, and then there’s mine … flush with the skin and barely noticeable.

Let me know if you have any questions. I’ll try to answer them if I can.

And remember to repeat after me …“YOU ARE A CANCER WINNER”